“Gulltransporten” on Viaplay – What a mess

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“Krigsseileren”, which is still currently in cinemas, and the upcoming major venture “Kampen om Narvik” have both been referred to as anti-war films – they depict the consequences of the occupation for civilians rather than creating heroic stories like “Max Manus”.

Harald Zwart’s “The 12th Man” was not afraid to entertain the audience, but at the same time presented itself as an important film, about how special Norwegian unity and individualism fought against the dominant force.

Machine gun show

Even before the action in “The Gold Transport” begins, old-fashioned typewriter fonts state that this is to be about how the Norwegian gold stock was saved from invading Germans. Then comes the story about the dry clerk Fredrik Haslund (Jon Øigarden) who finds his inner hero when he is given the responsibility of transporting tons of ingots from Oslo to Åndalsnes.

“Gulltransporten” is based on real events and people, but is not afraid to make a show. There are gunfights, explosions, fighter planes, machine guns, dress-up humor and train action.

Inspired overplayed

Part of the plot is buddy comedy: A zealous and bullet-scared government emissary (Axel Bøyum) suddenly finds himself in the company of a sort of Harrison Ford type (Sven Nordin), a curmudgeonly beer driver with fresh language and the sixpence on the sly.

While Morten Svartveit is in a different mode than in the occupation satire “Gutta på skauen”, he makes a boy band idol of the Til ungdommen poet Nordahl Grieg! Grieg is the film’s inspirational cheerleader, he is in constant poetry mode, most of what comes out of his mouth is full of wit, wit and wisdom.

The invading Germans are evil, order-shouting Nazis with murder in their eyes.

Historical figures in banking and finance are inspired and overplayed by Nationaltheatret regulars.

Seriously?

Director Hallvard Bræin is best known for the “Børning” films, and fans of the series have a lot to nod in recognition of: A bold, slightly elevated visual style, fraternization with Sven Nordin and an action in which a merry and typical ensemble drives through magnificent national romantic scenery.

Yes, “Gulltransporten” has more in common with “The Eagle’s Nest”, “Inglourious Basterds” and “‘Allo ‘Allo” than “Krigsseileren” and should have the audacity to make a war film with good humor. From time to time, it is true that the overacting goes over all military boot shafts, that must be taken as a sign that the actors are enjoying themselves.

But when the filmmakers combine all the fuss with fleeing civilians, bombed cities and German troops marching into neighborhoods, it is difficult to place the emotions. Does “Gulltransporten” still want to be taken seriously? Although the events are rooted in reality and four historical consultants are credited on the credits, the film is best read as casual entertainment. It succeeds quite well there – the action is admittedly slowed down by repetitive banter about transfer routines. But the good mood, no one can take that away from “Gulltransporten”.

Second World War popcorn with action and good humor rather than humanity and realism.